Professor Clare Pollock joins Western Sydney University as new Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost

Western Sydney University is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Clare Pollock as its new Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, and looks forward to warmly welcoming her when she commences on Monday, 14 June 2021.

Professor Pollock is a highly-regarded university leader and researcher. Currently Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students) at Flinders University, Professor Pollock leads the university’s education strategy and is responsible for student success.

Prior to joining Flinders University, Professor Pollock spent more than 15 years at Curtin University in several leadership roles, including acting Pro Vice-Chancellor with the Faculty of Health Sciences, Dean of Students (Health Sciences), and Professor and Chair of the Academic Board.

Originally from the United Kingdom, Professor Pollock graduated from Oxford University and the University of London, where she obtained a PhD in psychology. Her research career has focused on how psychology can be applied to improve safety, especially when it comes to people’s interaction with technology.

Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Barney Glover AO, said Professor Pollock is an outstanding university leader, who will build on the work of Western Sydney University’s former Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Emeritus Professor Denise Kirkpatrick, and most recently, Professor Scott Bowman AO.

“Professor Pollock joins our University at a critical time, as we deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the higher education sector and begin implementation of our new six-year strategic plan Sustaining Success 2021 – 2026. The University is embarking on the recovery then renewal stages of Sustaining Success; Professor Pollock’s extensive experience, strategic leadership and focus on educational strategy and the student experience will be invaluable,” said Professor Glover.

“In particular, Clare will play a pivotal role in leading our Schools through this significant period of change and continuing our strong commitment to our students and their success, placing them at the heart of everything we do. I congratulate Professor Pollock on her appointment, and I look forward to welcoming her to the University in June.”

Professor Pollock said she is pleased to be joining Western Sydney University.

“I am excited to be joining this world-leading University. I look forward to contributing to the next phase of the University’s strategic plan, and in particular, helping further develop industry engagement in the University’s teaching and learning, and research and development,” said Professor Pollock.

“This will be vital for the Greater Western Sydney region, where the University is engaged with industry on some of the nation’s biggest infrastructure projects like Sydney’s second airport, as well as supporting Australia’s space and defence priorities, and contributing to health and medical research and translation.

“Integrating training and higher education, research and development, and commercialisation into the University’s relationships with industry will reinforce the University’s position as an anchor institution for Greater Western Sydney and contribute to this important region’s success.”

ENDS

19 February 2021

Amanda Whibley, Manager, Media and Public Relations